keep him

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep him" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
You can use it to suggest or advise that someone keep something (or someone) in a safe and secure place, or in an unchanged or unaltered state. For example, you might say, "I'm sure you don't want to lose your car keys, so keep him in a safe place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can we keep him?

Independent

"Please keep him alive.

The New York Times

Does United keep him?

The Guardian - Sport

"To keep him warm".

The New Yorker

Keep him happy.

The New York Times - Books

I keep him alive.

The New York Times

Keep him comfortable.

The New York Times - Books

Anything to keep him alive.

The New York Times

Will Woody Johnson keep him?

The New York Times

"Keep him," his mother urged.

The New York Times

Keep him in your prayers".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep him" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates who "him" refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "keep him" when a more specific verb better conveys your intended meaning. For example, instead of "keep him", use "retain him" when discussing an employee or "protect him" when discussing someone in danger.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep him" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "keep" is a transitive verb requiring a direct object ("him"). Ludwig shows that it is used to express the desire or need to maintain possession, protection, or a certain state of being for the person referred to as "him".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

22%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep him" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express the idea of retaining, protecting, or maintaining someone. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous real-world examples. It is prevalent in various contexts, particularly in news media, wiki articles, and scientific publications. While generally neutral in register, the specific context dictates its formality. When using "keep him", ensure clarity regarding who "him" refers to and consider whether a more specific verb would better convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retain him

Emphasizes holding onto someone, especially in a professional or strategic context.

hold onto him

Suggests maintaining possession or connection with someone, often against potential loss.

preserve him

Implies protecting someone from harm or decay, maintaining their current state.

maintain him

Focuses on providing ongoing support or resources to ensure someone's well-being or functionality.

look after him

Highlights care and responsibility for someone's welfare.

take care of him

Similar to 'look after him', emphasizing responsibility for someone's well-being.

safeguard him

Stresses protecting someone from potential danger or harm.

watch over him

Implies protective supervision and care.

shelter him

Suggests protecting someone from exposure or adversity.

save him

Indicates rescuing someone from a dangerous or undesirable situation.

FAQs

How can I use "keep him" in a sentence?

The phrase "keep him" can be used in various contexts. For example, "Can we "keep him"?" or "We want to "keep him"".

What does "keep him" mean?

The phrase "keep him" generally means to retain possession of someone, protect someone, or maintain someone's well-being or state.

Are there any synonyms for "keep him"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use phrases like "retain him", "hold onto him", or "preserve him".

When is it appropriate to use "keep him" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "keep him" when you want to express the idea of retaining someone in a specific state or location, ensuring their well-being, or preventing them from leaving or being taken away.